1- Censorship and Controversy
- The period: a taboo topic
The topic of menstruation is the ultimate taboo and is still discussed in a context that benefits women's freedom. Yet despite obvious progress on numerous levels, it seems that menstruation is still a disturbing topic.
"In art, everything seems to be allowed. It can shock, move, surprise, but above all, it has the right to express itself. At least theoretically. In practice, however, public opinion does not always support the thematization of the period."
- Rupi Kaur: Controversy over a photo censored by Instagram
The young Rupi Kaur published a photo on Instagram in 2015 that was censored by the social network. In the photo, the artist is lying on a bed with her back to the camera, while visible red bloodstains can be seen on her pants and the bed sheet.
"After considerations of both artistic and activist nature, this photo was removed from Instagram because the moderators believed that it could hurt users. Although the network has since corrected its mistake and allowed the photo to be republished, the incident still raises the question of the taboo that persists around menstruation."
"This viral event seems to have ensured a new freedom of speech and image, at least within the microcosm of Instagram. The image in question has been liked more than 100,000 times, and the number of accounts dealing with the topic of periods has multiplied in just a few years. The social network originally accused of its backward-looking stance now seems to be becoming a true platform for freedom of speech."
2- Instagram and Period
Instagram, the little sister of Facebook, is a large social network with a staggering one billion active users per month. This number includes both occasional visitors and regularly maintained accounts, such as professional profiles or influencers. As an important marketing issue in our modern society, digital presence is undoubtedly one of the most widespread means of expression. This context is particularly suitable for the breaking of certain taboos, such as the topic of rules.
(a) Instagram: an active promotional tool
"Menstruation is actually part of a much larger struggle: feminism. It's not just about bleeding, menstrual cycles, the uterus, hormones, or contraception, but about a global perspective on how women are perceived and finding their place in society."
"Yet while many topics are regularly discussed, such as wage disparities, gender ratios, or domestic violence, it is much less common for women to openly talk about their menstruation. Due to more or less imposed shame or fear of how others perceive them, the topic remains sensitive even for those affected."
"Instagram has become a means of free expression for many activists due to the freedom the network has offered since the aforementioned event in 2015. The Instagram accounts of women share anecdotes about menstruation without taboo and are gaining more and more followers, as if they wanted to confirm the necessity of opening the debate."
The other major struggle of these women concerns a phenomenon that is still little known to the general public: period poverty. This refers to women who do not have enough financial resources to afford menstrual hygiene products. It is estimated that more than 500 million women worldwide have to live with this situation.
(b) Instagram as a platform for free expression of opinion
The social network Instagram allows its users to publish photos and texts. Artists rightly use these new opportunities to make themselves heard.
"It is enough to follow some hashtags such as #respecteznosregles, #thepowerofblood, or #menstruations, to meet the actors of a world in full change. Supported by famous artists and women who agree to pose stained with blood, these profiles finally create a more open discourse and give a stage to a topic that has so far been exclusively in the private sphere."
"In addition to feminism, the question of education also arises. That of young women who have yet to experience their first menstruation, but also that of men for whom the topic is at best opaque or, worse, completely unknown."
Finally, Instagram is also an opportunity, to exchange ideas with people other than the gynecologist, and to discuss menstrual pain, concerns about cramps or heavy menstrual bleeding. Women can more easily ask questions about ovulation or about sanitary pads, tampons, etc. In general, Instagram is becoming a place for discussion about contraception, about sex, and everything that comes with it, especially about women.
"In view of a society that does not seem willing to take matters into its own hands, those most affected by the issue compensate for a lack of information, education, and counseling, so that menstruation is finally no longer perceived as a torture, but as a strength, as a symbol of femininity is recognized."
c) Top 5 Instagram accounts about the topic of period
"Because a picture speaks more than a thousand words, we have selected 5 Instagram accounts that talk about the rules without complexes. Each of them breaks the silence, sometimes artistically, sometimes in a straightforward way, but always with the same goal: to talk about them and show them!"
- @blood.sations already points out in its description: "The account for a period without complexes." This explains everything you will find there: tips on periods and hygiene products such as menstrual panties, aesthetically pleasing images, and scientific information. All of this in a friendly atmosphere, without aggression.
- @lesnanasdpaname is the official account of a collective that advocates forwomen's rights and addresses numerous different topics, including menstruation and masturbation. The profile regularly receives support from celebrities such as Anaïs Delva or Noémie de Lattre.
- For art lovers, we recommend the account @menstrugram, which regularly publishes photo creations around the theme of menstrual blood. Visitors can also contribute their own images.
- "Another artistic and aesthetic account is @pink_bits, which liberates the female body in all its facets with humorous yet realistic drawings."
- "And if you speak English, you shouldn't miss the profile @pinkprotest, a very active account that advocates for freedom of expression by providing illustrations, photos, and texts for women and their bodies."
"Thus, Instagram has gradually become a great tool for all those who want to embrace their femininity and free themselves from complexes!"
